Gonchar Out With Concussion-like Symptoms

Stars defenseman Sergei Gonchar will miss Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings with concussion-like symptoms.

Gonchar was injured in the second period of Saturday’s game against San Jose when he was hit in the jaw by a shot off the stick of Sharks defenseman Justin Braun. Gonchar left the game and did not return.

Stars GM Jim Nill said the hope is that Gonchar will be back when the Stars resume play after the NHL’s holiday break.

“I’d say five days,” Nill said. “Hopefully, when we come back on the 27th. We’ll see how he is.”

With Gonchar out, Maxime Fortunus, signed to a one-year contract by the Stars on Wednesday, will be in the lineup for Monday’s game against the Kings. The 30-year-old Fortunus, who has played in the Stars’ minor league system for six seasons, played eight games for Dallas in 2009-10.

“It’s really not the way you want it to happen, but you’ve got to be ready to step in when other guys are hurt,” Fortunus said last week. “I am going to do my best to take advantage of it. All I can do is get on the ice when they tell me to, and do my best.”

The Texas Stars, Dallas’ AHL affiliate, are getting hit with injuries on the blue line as well. Patrik Nemeth is out following surgery on a broken foot. Jyrki Jokipakka missed Saturday’s game against Oklahoma City with concussion-like symptoms. He’s expected to be out four or five days, according to Nill.